South Korea extends special counsel probes of former president Yoon, first lady

South Korea approved three revised bills Tuesday to extend a special counsel investigation into corruption allegations against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, Yonhap News reported.

The bills, passed earlier this month by the National Assembly, were endorsed at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, and will be sent to President Lee Jae Myung for final approval.

The revisions allow investigators to extend their probes by up to 60 days at their discretion, doubling the original limit and adding additional prosecutors and staff.

Yoon was ousted from office for his declaration of martial law last December. He has remained in custody since July, while he faces charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through the decree.

His wife was arrested last month after a court issued a warrant on charges, including election meddling and bribery.

She denies the accusations.